Legionnaires disease kills one in North Carolina

Legionnaires disease kills one in North Carolina: North Carolina Health Department and Human Services spokeswoman Kelly Haight Conner said they are investigating multiple cases of Legionnaires disease. The first cases were reported from the Henderson Country on 24th September. Nine confirmed cases of Legionnaires disease were found among Buncombe county residents. It includes one death by the illness. They suspect the North Carolina Mountain State Fair from 6th to 15th in Fletcher, could be the place for spreading the deadly disease.

NC state epidemiologist Dr.Zack Moore: The North Carolina State epidemiologist Dr. Zack Moore said that there is still not enough proof Legionnaires disease is spread from the Fletcher fair. But he cautioned that anyone who has gone to the fair should see a doctor if they have symptoms of pneumonia-like cough, fever, and shortness of breath.

What is Legionnaires disease?

Legionnaires disease is caused by Legionella bacterial infection. It causes pneumonia or lung infection when swallowed along with water or breath in the mist with it. More than 150 cases of Legionnaires disease are reported annually in the state of North Carolina. But the good news is healthy people exposed to this bacteria will not be affected by it.

Symptoms of Legionnaires disease

Symptoms of Legionnaires disease only start after two to 10 days after being infected by the Legionella bacteria. The period for the symptoms to appear depends on the immune system of the affected person and includes:

• Cough
• Shortness of breath
• Fever
• Muscle aches
• Headaches

Treatment for Legionnaires disease

It usually will cause a milder flu called Pontiac fever which needs no treatment and will be cured shortly. But serious Legionnaires illness can be treated effectively by antibiotics. But it could be severe on

• Older persons above 50 years of age
• The current or former smokers
• Patients with chronic lung disease
• Persons with the weak immune system

Legionella bacteria grow and spread in improperly maintained human-made water systems like hot water tanks, air conditioners, and other sources. Hence to be safe from such deadly bacteria, it is pertinent for proper maintenance of water sources and seeing the doctor immediately upon realizing on or more of the above-mentioned symptoms.